Ethical leadership refers to the leadership that is directed by respect for the dignity and
rights of others and ethical beliefs and values. The organization's ethics are as good as its leaders.
The executive leaders in an organization play a critical role in building the organization's ethical
culture. Organizational ethics are primarily not driven by policies and procedures but by the
actions of its leaders. This paper will explain the most important characteristics of ethical
leadership; describe the relationship between ethical leader and the followers; give reasons why
the relationship between ethical leader and followers is important for organizations attempting to
do the right thing, and describe the role of Ethics officer and how the role relates to the success
of ethics-related endeavors within large organizations based on the reading.
Important characteristics of ethical leadership Order
The most important characteristics of an ethical leader include respect for others, leading by
example, selflessness, and honesty. An ethical leader should treat all members of the team with respect. Treating all members of the team with respect is important as it helps improve motivation and a sense of belonging in
an organization (Crews, 2015). Additionally, ethical leaders should lead by example as doing so
makes it easier for others to follow (Crews, 2015). Leading by example is important as it
motivates and inspires followers to achieve more. Moreover, ethical leaders should be more
concerned with the needs of others than with one's own (Crews, 2015). Selflessness helps leaders
to effectively connect with their followers and this increases motivation and job satisfaction.
Honesty is not just about telling the truth but being truthful with oneself and others about who you are, what you need, and what you want in life (Crews, 2015). Honesty is important because
followers trust leaders who are transparent and can be depended upon. Ethical leadership;
Relationship between an ethical leader and the followers
Employees in an organization are said to learn what is expected of them majorly from the
behaviors, rewards, and punishments practiced by their leaders. The relationship between ethical
leaders and followers is the main principle on which the leader-member exchange (LMX) theory
of leadership is based (Niemeyer & Cavazotte, 2016). This relationship depends on the degree of
trust, support, and, respect exchanged between them. The theory argues that some followers tend
to engage more with their leaders to form two groups (Niemeyer & Cavazotte, 2016). In-group is
one of the two groups treated as more informal and is based on trust and rewards. Endo-group is
the second and is treated as formal. It is characterized by a few interactions and limited support
from leaders (Niemeyer & Cavazotte, 2016).
Why is this relationship important for organizations that are attempting to do the right
thing?

A high-quality relationship between an ethical leader and followers is important as it
results in less voluntary turnover, high organizational commitment, high performance, and a
better attitude of employees. According to the LMX theory, there is a positive relationship
between the high quality of the relationship between ethical leadership and organizational
performance (Niemeyer & Cavazotte, 2016). High organizational performance is achieved when
an ethical leader engages in behaviors that recognize, support and train subordinates. Employee
commitment is important as it increases motivation which is a prerequisite for superior
performance. Quality relationships between ethical leaders and followers also increase the attitude at work of employees and this in turns increases job satisfaction (Niemeyer & Cavazotte,
2016). Employee turnover is expensive and can affect organizational performance. Quality
relationships between ethical leaders and followers work so well in reducing the rate of voluntary
turnover of employees and this helps save on cost. Ethical leadership;
The role of the Chief Ethics Officer and how his role relates to the success of large
organizations
According to the Setting the Standards: the Lockheed Martin Code of Ethics and
Business Conduct, the chief ethics officer (CEO) has several roles. The primary role of the Chief
Ethics officer is the development of an ethical culture in an organization (Lockheed, 2011). This
helps in the maximum utilization of resources leading to profitability. Additionally, the CEO has
a role to know and observe all the principles and standards established in an organization. This
helps create discipline down the hierarchy and as a result organizational success. Moreover, the
CEO has a role to promote responsibility and accountability in an organization (Lockheed,
2011). With the power vested on him, the CEO should promote responsibility and accountability
as this minimizes corruption and increases organizational performance. The CEO also has a role
to promote a prospective work environment and protect the employee from any form of
harassment or discrimination (Lockheed, 2011). This is important in creating job satisfaction and
this influence both organizational and employee performance. Besides, the CEO has a role to
avoid illegal and questionable transactions with employees. This creates equality and fairness
when dealing with employees. Read more
In conclusion, the organization's ethics are as good as its leaders because they are not driven by
policies and procedures but by the actions of its leaders. The most important characteristics of an ethical leader include respect for others, leading by example, selflessness, and honesty. The
relationship between ethical leaders and followers depends on the degree of trust, support, and,
respect exchanged between them. The relationship between ethical leaders and followers is
important as it results in less voluntary turnover, high organizational commitment, high
performance, and a better attitude of employees.